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The sign, on the wall of Pickwick's Coffee and Tea House in Dial Lane, was uncovered during a facelift of the 16th Century building
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The advert is thought to be for an optician's that occupied the premises early last century
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Work is going on to uncover the rest of the sign

East Anglian historian Dr John Blatchly said that an advert in the 1904 Post Office Directory for Mr John C Scarborow in Dial Lane referred to him as an optician.

"The most distinguished shop front in Ipswich was built in 1912 in Dial Lane for John C Scarborow," said Dr Blatchly.

Ms Cooper said that the advertising sign painted on the bricks needed to be preserved and to be on show.

She has been looking at various conservation methods, including a graffiti-proof varnish and an acrylic screen.

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An advert for John C Scarborow appeared in the Post Office Directory for 1904

Mike Taylor, conservation officer for Ipswich Borough Council, said a few years ago advertising signs such as these would have been painted over because they would not have been regarded as having any historical significance.

"We're lucky that Ms Cooper is interested in it and in its [historical] value and wants to preserve it.

"It's an interesting test case - I can't think of any other examples of signs at eye level being preserved."